News FÍS Film Project invites students to commemorate Dáil 100 in its film competition

Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó’Fearghaíl, yesterday welcomed students from Gardiner Street Primary School to Leinster House to mark the Houses of the Oireachtas’ collaboration with the FÍS Film Project Awards 2019.

As part of the year-long commemoration of the siting of the first Dáil in 1919, FÍS has introduced a special category in this year’s competition called Dáil100. Students will be encouraged to commemorate the anniversary of the first Dáil; celebrate its legacy and educate themselves and others about parliamentary democracy.

“I am delighted that FÍS are collaborating with the Houses of the Oireachtas to promote training and participation in the film making process,” said the Ceann Comhairle. “The Oireachtas will commemorate the sitting of the first Dáil with a programme of events under the Dáil100 programme and our engagement with FÍS will allow young people to connect with their Parliament in a creative way whilst also teaching them vital skills.”

Bernadette Meagher, FÍS Manager, added: “The Institute of Art, Design & Technology (IADT) and our FÍS Film Project partners, the Professional Development Service Teachers (PDST) are delighted to be part of the Houses of the Oireachtas’ year-long celebration and commemoration of 100 years of Dáil Éireann. We look forward to receiving entries where Ireland’s youngest film makers have the opportunity to mark the centenary in an imaginative and creative way.”

Entries are accepted up until the end of June 2019 and the winning entries will be celebrated at the annual FÍS Film Awards ceremony in the Helix Theatre, DCU in November.